Luke 10:38-42
38 Jesus and his disciples went on their way. Jesus came to a village where a woman named Martha lived. She welcomed him into her home.
39 She had a sister named Mary. Mary sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.
40 But Martha was busy with all the things that had to be done. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, my sister has left me to do the work by myself. Don’t you care? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered. “You are worried and upset about many things.
42 But only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better. And it will not be taken away from her.”
Respect means that we choose to show others they are important us. Taking time to show someone else how important they are doesn’t necessarily come naturally. That’s why we need to stop and look around us.
One way to love one another is to look for ways to help them. You can take time to stop and see who needs help. From opening a door, to listening to a friend, helping others takes the focus off of you and puts it on others.
Grab a piece of construction paper and write out the words of today’s verse in big block letters. You can even decorate the page if you choose. Then, cut the paper into four or five pieces to create a puzzle. Shuffle the pieces and ask a younger sibling or friend to put the puzzle together. Then read the verse aloud and talk about what this verse means to you.
Sharing is hard. Giving to those who ask doesn’t come easily to us.
Just because something isn’t easy doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing. When it comes to respecting others, sharing is a wise choice. Sharing shows generosity and tells the other person, “You are more important to me than this thing I don’t really want to share.” By sharing, you’re showing someone else they matter, that you respect them.
For the next 24 hours, think about someone you can share with. What can you share with them? Make a plan to do it. Pray and ask God to help you share so that you can show others they are important to you.
If Jesus was coming over to hang out, you’d probably clean up, right? You’d make sure you looked your best. You might even put out some snacks.
Once Jesus arrived, what would you do? Would you be like Martha, cooking and cleaning? Or would you stop to listen to Jesus like Mary?
We can show Jesus He is important to us by spending time with Him, by reading the Bible, praying, listening to worship music or just being quiet and enjoying God’s beautiful creation. And we show others they are important by spending time with them too.
Grab some paper and write down three ways you could spend time with your friends or family this week. Pray and ask God to help you follow through with all three by the end of the month.
Have you ever heard the saying, “respect your elders?” An elder is someone older than you, like your parents, grandparents, teachers, and coaches.
In this verse, Paul talks about the godly leaders in our lives. People like your Small Group Leader. You show them respect by listening, by participating, and by choosing to be kind and courteous during your time together.
Did you know that your small group leader is a volunteer? Your leaders show up week after week because they want to help you to follow Jesus!
Take some time to write a thank you note to your Small Group Leader. Ask an adult to help you with the wording if you’re stuck. Decorate the note and then take it to church to hand deliver it to your leader.
As your kid starts their day, let them know what an important part of your life they are.
At a meal, have everyone at the table answer this question: “What does it mean to show someone they are important?”
While on the go, ask your kid: “Who are some of your favorite people to spend time with?”
Pray for each other: “Jesus, help us to look for ways to show and tell others just how important they are to us, and also to You.”